Lyla Lindsey
Phone number spoofing is a common scamming technique where scammers manipulate Caller IDs to disguise their phone numbers and make it seem like they're calling from a trusted source, such as a familiar area code or a family member's number. This can lead to financial scams, identity theft, reputational damage, and legal issues. If you're receiving angry calls or messages from strangers accusing you of spamming or scamming them, it's likely that your number is being spoofed. While there's no foolproof way to stop number spoofing, here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and mitigate the impact.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is number spoofing? | Caller ID spoofing is when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity. |
| How to know if your number is being spoofed? | You'll likely get a lot of angry callback messages. Strangers often call back unknown numbers to stop spam calls. |
| How to stop your number from being spoofed? | Keeping your phone number private is one of the most effective ways to help stop your number from being spoofed. |
| What to do if your number is being spoofed? | Contact your mobile carrier, update your voicemail greeting to notify callers that your number is being spoofed, and change your voicemail password. |
| How to report number spoofing? | Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). |
| How to prevent spoofed calls? | Use a setting in the Phone app called 'Silence Unknown Callers' or a similar setting called Spam and Call Screen. |
| How to identify a spoofed call? | If you receive a call from a number similar to yours, with only a few digits different. |
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What You'll Learn
- Report the scam to the relevant authorities
- Change your number and register it with the National Do Not Call Registry
- Contact your mobile carrier for troubleshooting
- Update your voicemail greeting to notify callers that your number is being spoofed
- Monitor your personal details and accounts for signs of misuse
Report the scam to the relevant authorities
If you've been a victim of phone number spoofing in Australia, there are several ways to report the scam to the relevant authorities. Here are some steps you can take:
Firstly, you can report the scam to Scamwatch, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) scam reporting platform. Scamwatch allows individuals to report any suspicious contact or activity, helping authorities stop scammers and warn others. You can also subscribe to the free Scamwatch Alert Service to stay informed about the latest scams. Additionally, if you have sent money or shared your banking or credit card details with the scammer, contact your bank immediately. They may be able to stop or reverse the transaction or lock your account to prevent further damage.
Secondly, you can turn to IDCARE, Australia and New Zealand's not-for-profit national identity and cyber support service. IDCARE provides personalised support to individuals who have had their personal or financial information stolen or are at risk of identity misuse. They work with victims to develop specific response plans to address their unique situations.
Thirdly, consider reporting the scam to the Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network (ACORN). ACORN is a national policing initiative that allows individuals to securely report instances of cybercrime, including scams. Once a report is submitted, ACORN assesses whether it should be referred to law enforcement agencies for further investigation.
Additionally, if you believe there has been a breach of the Do Not Call Register, you can lodge a complaint with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) through the Do Not Call website or by calling 1300 792 958. The Do Not Call Register is a secure database that allows individuals to register their Australian telephone, mobile, and fax numbers to limit unsolicited telemarketing communications.
By reporting phone number spoofing scams to the relevant authorities, you can play a crucial role in raising awareness, protecting others, and helping law enforcement take action against malicious cyber activities.
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Change your number and register it with the National Do Not Call Registry
If your phone number has been spoofed, you may receive a lot of angry calls from people who think you are the scammer. This is because scammers use spoofing to avoid blocklists and trick victims into sharing personal information or money. In this case, changing your phone number may be the best course of action. While this can be inconvenient, it may be necessary, especially if your phone number has been compromised. Security experts agree that a spoofed phone number could indicate larger security risks.
Once you have changed your phone number, you can register it with the National Do Not Call Registry. This will reduce the chances of your new number being used for scam calls. The Do Not Call Register is managed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and is a way to reduce unwanted telemarketing calls. It's important to note that registering your number doesn't block calls, but it allows businesses to check their calling lists and remove registered numbers before making calls. Telemarketers and fax marketers have 30 days from the date you register to check their lists and stop calling you.
You can register your new number online or by calling 1300 792 958. It's important to note that you cannot register a number that is used primarily for business purposes, unless it is a fax number. If you use a phone for both business and personal use, you can register as long as your personal use is more than 50% of all use. Registered numbers can still be contacted by exempt organisations, including registered charities, research companies, registered political parties, and educational institutions.
While changing your number and registering it with the Do Not Call Registry may help, it's important to remain vigilant and take other steps to protect yourself from spoofing and scam calls. This can include updating your voicemail password, using security settings on your device to protect against scam calls, and screening unknown calls. Additionally, reporting spoofing scams to the ACMA can help authorities take action against scammers and protect other potential victims.
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Contact your mobile carrier for troubleshooting
If you suspect that your phone number is being spoofed, you should contact your mobile carrier immediately. This is because scammers can use your spoofed phone number to impersonate you and gain access to your accounts or sensitive information.
In Australia, under the Industry Guidance Note (IGN 009), the Communications Alliance indicates that all carriers and carriage service providers are obliged to intervene when Caller ID Spoofing occurs. Contact your telco and advise them that your phone number is being used by scammers. If your mobile number is with Telstra, you can use their online Report Unwelcome Calls form. If you are not with Telstra, ask your telco if they offer a similar service.
Carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon have online reporting systems for submitting complaints. While most fraud support pages focus on helping those who have received spoofed calls rather than those whose numbers are being spoofed, it is still worthwhile to submit a detailed report, especially if the incident results in SIM swapping or a high service bill.
If your number is being spoofed, you may need to change your phone number. However, security experts agree that a spoofed phone number could be a warning sign of larger security risks. Therefore, it is important to monitor your personal details and accounts for signs of misuse. Identity theft protection services like LifeLock offer features such as dark web monitoring and identity alerts to help detect fraudulent activity related to your personal details.
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Update your voicemail greeting to notify callers that your number is being spoofed
If your phone number is being spoofed, you may start receiving a lot of angry calls and messages from targets or victims. While a helpful voicemail won't stop the calls, it can help to explain the situation to victims and reduce the chances that they'll keep calling you.
In your new voicemail greeting, explain that a scammer has spoofed your number. Politely apologise for any inconvenience and suggest that the caller should block your number. You could say something like:
> "Hello, you have reached [your name]. I am sorry to inform you that my phone number has been spoofed. If you are receiving suspicious calls that seem to be coming from my number, please know that they are not from me. For your security, I recommend blocking this number. Thank you for your understanding."
Additionally, it is important to change your voicemail password to prevent spoofers from accessing or manipulating your voicemail messages, especially if they have gained unauthorised access. Some voicemail services are preset to allow access if you call in from your own phone number, so updating your password adds a layer of protection.
While updating your voicemail greeting and password can help manage the situation, there are other steps you can take to address the issue of number spoofing. Firstly, contact your mobile carrier so they can troubleshoot and resolve any technical issues with the STIR/SHAKEN system, which is designed to protect against spoofers and spammers. Secondly, manually block incoming spam calls and numbers that use fake caller IDs to prevent repeated targeting. Thirdly, be cautious about answering calls from unknown numbers, and if you do answer, explain that your number is being spoofed and that you did not make any calls. Finally, keep in mind that scammers tend to switch spoofed numbers frequently, so there is a good chance that the issue will stop within a short period.
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Monitor your personal details and accounts for signs of misuse
Monitoring your personal details and accounts is crucial for detecting and preventing misuse. Here are some detailed steps to help you monitor your personal information and accounts for signs of spoofing or identity theft:
Regularly Check Your Accounts for Unusual Activity
Keep a close eye on your bank statements, credit history reports, and other financial accounts. Look for any unusual transactions or activities that you don't recognise. Scammers often collect data over several months and then exploit it, so regular checks can help you spot anomalies. Additionally, monitor your email accounts and other online accounts for any suspicious activities, such as unauthorised access or changes to your settings.
Be Vigilant with Your Personal Information
'Personally identifiable information' refers to details that can confirm your identity or location. This includes your date of birth, address, family information, and more. Regularly review your security settings on social media platforms and apps to ensure your personal information is protected. Be cautious about sharing personal information online, especially if you're unsure about the legitimacy of a request.
Stay Alert for Warning Signs
Be aware of warning signs that indicate potential identity theft. For example, if you stop receiving mail at your address, or if debt collectors contact you about purchases or loans you didn't make. Another warning sign is if your identity documents, such as your passport or driver's licence, go missing. These could be used to open fraudulent accounts in your name.
Protect Your Passwords and PINs
Ensure your passwords and PINs are strong and unique. Avoid using easily guessed passwords, and never share them with anyone. Regularly change your passwords, especially after a data breach. Use different login credentials for each account to minimise the risk of multiple accounts being compromised.
Utilise Available Tools and Services
Sign up for services that monitor your credit history and alert you to any changes or access. For instance, you can subscribe to Equifax to receive notifications when your credit history is accessed or altered. Additionally, use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of protection to your accounts, making it harder for cybercriminals to gain unauthorised access.
Remember, monitoring your personal details and accounts is an ongoing process. By staying vigilant and proactive, you can minimise the risk of spoofing and identity theft, protecting your personal information and financial well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
You may receive a lot of angry calls from strangers demanding why you tried to scam them. You may also get calls from numbers that look very similar to yours.
You can report it to the ACMA in Australia. You should also contact your mobile carrier so they can help resolve technical issues. Update your voicemail greeting to notify callers that your number is being spoofed and change your voicemail password.
Keeping your phone number private is one of the most effective ways to prevent your number from being spoofed. Avoid providing your phone number when signing up for newsletters or email updates. Be cautious about sharing your personal information online and adjust your privacy settings on social media to restrict access to your number.
If you receive a spoofed call, do not give out any personal information. Hang up immediately if you suspect it is a scam call. You can also use settings on your phone, such as "Silence Unknown Callers", to avoid receiving calls from unknown numbers.
